Page 31 of Fire Dancing For Icey Dragons

"I'll try."

"But come on, we should get in line, it's not going to be long until they start calling the Ks, and then it'll be our turn." She takes my hand and pulls me out of the bathroom to where everyone is lining up. We make our apologies to the other students for coming through, even though we're supposed to be in alphabetical order, so it's not like we're stealing their positions.

The queue of students moves down surprisingly quickly as each of them takes to the stage and goes through the process of the graduation ceremony after their names are called. I know walking across the stage doesn't actually change anything and that I've already got my degree, but it feels so official.

"Yuri Kim," the Dean calls. Yuri walks across the stage with elegance. I'm not sure I'm going to be as good as that, I don't wear heels very often. She shakes his hand and walks off to the other side of the stage, moving the tassel of her cap to the opposite side to indicate she's now had her graduation ceremony.

"Zara Kingsley," the Dean calls.

I take a deep breath and climb up the steps onto the stage. I know that most of the people in the room don't care that I'm making this walk, but I'm still proud of myself. My mum walked across this stage, as did my dad, and I'm now following in their footsteps.

"Congratulations," the Dean says, shaking my hand once.

I do the small curtsy we've been told we're supposed to do. "Thank you."

He nods and I walk off the stage to follow Yuri through the corridor and out into the brilliant sun.

My best friend squeals and throws her arms around me. "We did it!"

"We did," I respond.

"And we're going to be moving in together again next week!"

I laugh. "We've barely been apart for a month," I point out.

"I know, I know. But I'm excited. This is going to be the start of the rest of our lives."

"Yes, it is." I smile at her, both excited and a little nervous about what the next chapter is going to bring. But I also can't wait to find out.

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